Why was the gaining of Mexican land so critical to the growth of the United States?

Question

For History Class.

Answer 1

Because we freaking wanted it man!

Answer 2

First, if you read history, you'll realize that the term 'Mexican land' is a misnomer - the Spanish, and later Mexicans, took the land by force from the Aztecs, Incas, and other native people. This includes the areas of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, and Colorado. All of these areas were 'taken' from Mexico by force of arms and treaty. Just as Mexico had used force earlier.
There are abundant natural resources in these areas, including gold and silver, which are valuable today. These area also provided new areas for Americans to move west and settle.

But don't forget, Spain took the land by force, France actually controlled Mexico at one time, the Mexicans revolted by force, and the Texans revolted against Mexico by force. Santa Anna agreed to forfeit Texas to save his own hide. The US- Mexico war (1845) was resolved by force and treaty, establishing the currently accepted boundaries.
"Mexican land" seems to be a less than accurate description.

Answer 3

we fought that war for sugar i think u now us Americans heck we came here and killed out most of the native American,the only war i think we fought for that meant anything was the civil war,but in all reasoning we shouldn't have fought that one either the land the slaves where farming,and caring for was not our it was the native Americana's but do we honor them with a native American month?NO but we have a black history month GO FIGURE i do believe the slaves where mistreated but I'm not reasonable for what the people in my family did generations ago and all these illegal,s here says there mistreated and the ancestors of the slaves don't go get in the food stamp line or the welfare line
we will make a line that will hand u a ticket for a ship ride back to ur ancestors home land or the home land u left at will


sorry got off the ? a bit but the works kept flowing out my fingertips

Answer 4

Well, besides the obvious answer of gaining resources, it served to weaken a potential ememy sitting right on our border. They could have been a direct enemy in war (remember ther Alamo?), or an ally to another European power in waging war against us. You have to understand that in the 1700's and 1800's Mexico was a serious threat to the US militarily. Even in WW2 the Germans attempted to recruit the Mexicans to their cause to give us trouble at home. Not like today.

Answer 5

Because we wanted MANIFEST DESTINY. ie- We were chosen by "god" to go across the country and spread democracy. that worked.. so... well.. >> And we just wanted control of stuff. And land. And resources. And power.

Answer 6

We needed Hollywood

Answer 7

we needed California.